Ever since the Los Angeles Rams traded for guard Kevin Dotson, he has been one of the best right guards in the NFL. Dotson has been a critical piece to the Rams implementing more of a gap scheme run game into the offense and has become a leader on the offensive line. During the 2023 season, Dotson was the third-highest-graded interior offensive lineman via PFF. In his second season in the offense, Dotson remained dominant, ranking sixth overall. Dotson continued that dominance into 2025, ranking as the fifth-best interior offensive lineman according to PFF. Dotson Has Been One of the NFL's Most Consistent GuardsDespite Dotson consistently ranking near the top, he’s never gotten the recognition he’s deserved. Dotson has not been voted to a Pro Bowl or been named an All-Pro selection. However, he did finally receive five first-place votes last season. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler polled NFL coaches and executives around the NFL to rank their top interior offensive linemen. Dotson not only didn’t crack the top 10, but wasn’t even among the honorable mentions. Dotson and Steve Avila were both among the others receiving votes. The players who made the list ahead of Dotson were:G Tyler Smith, CowboysG Quentin Nelson, ColtsC Creed Humphrey, ChiefsG Quinn Meinerz, BroncosG Joe Thuney, BearsG Chris Lindstrom, FalconsG Trey Smith, ChiefsC Tyler Linderbaum, RaidersG Peter Skoronski, TitansC Aaron Brewer, DolphinsG Grey Zabel, SeahawksG Tyler Booker, CowboysC/G Elgton Jenkins, BrownsG Robert Hunt, PanthersThe Numbers Show Why Dotson Is EliteThere are some clear locks in that list such as Tyler Smith, Quentin Nelson, Creed Humphrey, Quinn Meinerz, and Chris Lindstrom. Players such as Joe Thuney and Peter Skoronski are likely better all-around players than Dotson. PlayerOverall GradeRun Block GradePass Block GradePass Block EfficiencyPressures AllowedQuinn Meinerz90.992.170.998.025Creed Humphrey88.888.584.199.38Chris Lindstrom88.491.762.396.244Aaron Brewer87.491.571.298.712Kevin Dotson86.489.367.797.720Quentin Nelson84.784.573.298.715Tyler Linderbaum79.883.263.497.226Joe Thuney79.47188.698.815Peter Skoronski7973.284.598.123Tyler Smith73.581.165.497.72Tyler Booker7276.862.497.625Trey Smith68.56375.19816Robert Hunt64.761.664.71000Elgton Jenkins6260.672.59810Grey Zabel57.356.358.697.524However, at this stage of his career, Dotson should be ahead of Elgton Jenkins. Dotson has been more consistent and is just as powerful in the run game as Robert Hunt. This isn’t to say that Dotson is a perfect player by any means. He has his struggles at times in pass-protection. His pass-block grade of 67.7 ranked 32nd among interior offensive linemen and his pass-blocking efficiency of 97.7 ranked 38th. Dotson's Run Blocking Makes the Rams Offense BetterHowever, his dominance in the run game is what separates him from others. For a guard, he completely changes the Rams offense when he’s on the field, showing his value. Without Dotson on the field last season, the Rams averaged 4.0 yards per carry. By comparison, with Dotson, the Rams averaged 4.8 yards per carry.The Rams’ offensive line as a collective unit is one of the best in the NFL. Most would have them ranked inside the top seven offensive lines heading into 2026. While it’s not surprising that Alaric Jackson, Coleman Shelton, and Warren McClendon missed out on the top 10 at their positions, the Rams’ duo of Dotson and Avila is very good. What Does Dotson Need to Do to Earn Recognition?Dotson has been the more consistent of the two and deserves to be recognized. Duke Manyweather, who is one of the best at recognizing offensive line talent, noted at the end of last year, “It’s time that people realize that he’s a top guard in this league.”Given how dominant the Rams' offensive line has been in recent years, it doesn't make sense that Dotson continues to be so undervalued around the NFL. Last season wasn't a one-time thing as he’s shown the ability to be dominant since joining the Rams in 2023. If Dotson plays at that level again in 2026 and helps lead the Rams to a Super Bowl, it will be difficult for those around the league to ignore him. Sign up to our free newsletter and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for the latest news.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow